"We knew when we started the [fourth] season that we wanted Silas to be like the original Original - almost like the devil, in a way," producer Caroline Dries told TVLine.

"[In season five], we're going to explore this phenomenon of the doppelganger and how and why they exist in our mythology and what they actually mean for Stefan and Elena (Nina Dobrev) and everyone else."

Dries also praised Wesley for his portrayal of both Stefan and Silas, adding: "He is such an awesome actor, that we were like... how can we see more levels with him?"

The fifth season of The Vampire Diaries will premiere on The CW on Thursday, October 10, while new spinoff show The Originals will launch on Tuesday, October 15.